Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students
What a wonderful day of activities we enjoyed on Friday to celebrate our 30th Anniversary! I was delighted with the large number of visitors, including grandparents, parishioners and parents who came along. The attendance at all the events on the day was wonderful to see. I extend a huge thanks to Michelle Steward, and her volunteers, for organising the wonderful morning tea. Thanks to Fr Joseph, Deacon Trevor and Fr Anthony for celebrating Mass and thanks to our wonderful staff for preparing the students to participate in the various activities during the day.
The Colour Run was a fun way to finish off the day of celebrations. The students (and the staff) had a great time getting covered in paint. Who would have thought that squirts of paint would provide so much joy? Thank you to the P&F Association for organising the Colour Run, and for the committee of helpers who brought it all together on the day. Matthew Gibney Day celebrations were an excellent example of the strong culture of support that exists at our school. The culture of inclusiveness, collaboration and working together for the good of our students, was most evident on Friday. Our students are thriving because the parents, staff and supporters of our school work together to ensure our children are always at the centre of all we do. Thank you to you all. We are blessed to have such a positive community culture here at Matthew Gibney Catholic Primary School.
Year Six Camp
The Year Six students head off to their much-anticipated school camp to Busselton on Tuesday 9th November. Camp is such an exciting time for the students, especially as they look forward to the time spent with classmates, prior to graduating from primary school. In my experience, camp brings out the best in the students. They thrive in new found independence, confidence and time away from the comforts of home. I am most grateful to our teachers, Christina Zurzolo and Oliver Battistessa, for giving up their time to care for the Year Six students around the clock during the time away. I look forward to sharing the experience with the children next week.
Nominations for P&F and Catholic School Advisory Council
Nominations are currently being accepted for the Parents and Friends Executive and the School Advisory Council. Please click the links to take you to further information about both the associations, the roles required and a nomination form. Please come and see me should you have any questions or queries. All parents are encouraged to nominate and be involved with these vital parent groups within the school.
Annual Community Meeting – Save the Date!
The Annual Community Meeting will be held in the Library on Wednesday 24th November commencing at 7.00pm. The School Advisory Council Chair, and the President of the P&F, will both provide reports on activities and achievements during the year. The school financial budget will be presented to the school community during the meeting. Voting for positions on the P&F Executive and the School Advisory Council will take place during the Annual Community Meeting. Refreshments will be available. All parents are invited to come along.
Staffing 2022
I know at this time of the year parents are keen to know who their class teachers will be for 2022. Details about staffing for the new year are currently being organised. Parents will be informed about staffing for 2022 in the newsletter in Week 7.
Pupil Free Day – Monday 8th November
Parents are reminded that Monday 8th November is a pupil free day. I hope you enjoy the long weekend, in the middle of the term, to rest and re-energise before the sprint towards the end of the year.
Gibney Dad’s Club Camp Weekend
Next weekend our Dads will be off on their annual Dads and Kids camp. Best wishes to you all for a fun few days away with your children. I hope you enjoy the quality time spent with your children in the company of other Matthew Gibney Dads. Best wishes to the Mums for a quieter weekend. I hope you get some time to spoil yourselves.
During this week we follow the news about the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. It is a reminder for all of us to care for and protect God’s wonderful gift of creation, so the earth can be enjoyed and sustained for all those who come after us.
Your World
God, you created the world with your dream of what it could be.
You dreamed of people and plants, animals and air,
all living in right relationship to you and to each other.
Today we offer to you our dream for a world
which is not threatened by a changing climate
which hurts our atmosphere,
which wounds the poorest and most vulnerable,
which leaves this wonderful planet in poor shape
for future generations.
Help us to listen to your voice,
your Word, and your creation.
(Adapted from Dream for the World, Centre for Ministry Development and Catholic Coalition for Climate Change.)
I hope all our families enjoy the long weekend and I welcome students back to school on Tuesday 9th November. I will be away on camp with the Year Six students next week so please direct any queries to Assistant Principals, Karen Keddie and Diane Scriven.
Best wishes for the week ahead.
Therese Hussey
Principal